"The Highlands of Ethiopia Vol. two" by Sir William Cornwallis Harris is an enthralling travelogue that chronicles Harris's intrepid exploration of Ethiopia's breathtaking Highlands. As a genre, it falls within the realm of historical travel literature, offering readers a captivating blend of adventure, ethnography, and African geography. Harris's narrative takes readers on a journey through the rugged terrain of the Ethiopian Highlands, where they encounter awe-inspiring natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Along the way, Harris provides vivid accounts of his encounters with indigenous peoples and African tribes, offering insights into their cultures, customs, and way of life. Through his expeditions, Harris delves into the topography of the region, documenting its varied terrain and geographical features. He also presents a rich tapestry of historical accounts, shedding light on Ethiopia's storied past and cultural heritage. With meticulous detail and keen observation, Harris captures the essence of Ethiopia's Highlands, painting a vivid portrait of its cultural diversity and natural wonders. "The Highlands of Ethiopia Vol. two" is not only a testament to Harris's spirit of exploration but also a valuable resource for those interested in African geography and ethnography.
Major Sir William Cornwallis Harris was an English military engineer, artist, and hunter. He was the fourteen-year-old son of James Harris of Wittersham, Kent, and enrolled in Addiscombe Military Seminary. Two years later, in December 1823, he joined the East India Company's army as a second lieutenant in the Bombay Establishment of Engineers. Over the next thirteen years, he was deployed to several locations in India, allowing him to pursue his interests in outdoor sports and wildlife photography. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1824, then captain ten years later. Harris landed in Cape Town in June 1836 on the 1467-ton Buckinghamshire, where he spent two years recovering from a fever. He was lucky to meet Dr. Andrew Smith, who had just returned from a voyage north where he had seen Mzilikazi in Mosega. From the Cape, he planned a hunting excursion to the Western Transvaal and Magaliesberg with William Richardson of the Bombay Civil Service, who had joined him on the voyage.
